Micro-CT evaluation of the removal of root fillings using rotary and reciprocating systems supplemented by XP-Endo Finisher, the Self-Adjusting File, or Er,Cr:YSGG laser.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a single-file reciprocating system (WaveOne Gold, WOG) and a multi-file rotary system (ProTaper Universal Retreatment, PTUR) in removing canal filling from severely curved canals and to evaluate the possible adjunctive effects of XP-Endo Finisher (XPF), the Self-Adjusting File (SAF), and an erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser using micro-computed tomography (µCT). Materials and Methods: Sixty-six curved mandibular molars were divided into 2 groups based on the retreatment technique and then into 3 based on the supplementary method. The residual filling volumes and root canals were evaluated with µCT before and after retreatment, and after the supplementary steps. The data were statistically analyzed with the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, analysis of covariance, and factorial analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Results: PTUR and WOG showed no significant difference in removing filling materials (p > 0.05). The supplementary techniques were significantly more effective than reciprocating or rotary systems only (p < 0.01). The supplementary steps showed no significant differences in canal filling removal effectiveness (p > 0.05), but XPF showed less dentin reduction than the SAF and Er,Cr:YSGG laser (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The supplementary methods significantly decreased the volume of residual filling materials. XPF caused minimal changes in root canal volume and might be preferred for retreatment in curved root canals. Supplementary approaches after retreatment procedures may improve root canal cleanliness.

The combined use of carbon nanotubes with synthetic ceramics enhances posterolateral fusion: an experimental study in a rat spinal fusion model.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/ HA-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) composite in a posterolateral spinal fusion model. METHODS: At first, CNTs and CNTs/HA-TCP composites were prepared. Twenty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into four groups with five rats in each group. Decortication was carried out in standard manner in all animals. Group 1 (only decortication), group 2 (CNTs), group 3 (HA-TCP) and group 4 (CNTs/HA-TCP) were formed. Eight weeks later, all animals were killed and obtained fusion segments were evaluated by manual palpation, histomorphometry and micro-computed tomography (mCT). RESULTS: In all evaluations, highest fusion values were obtained in Group 4. In mCT investigations, bone volume/ tissue volume (BV/TV) ratio was found to be significantly higher in composite group (group 4) only compared to ceramic group (group 3) (p < 0.001). Although in Group 2, in which only CNTs were used, the ratio was found to be statistically significantly higher than group 1(p < 0.001), the difference was not considered as significant in terms of fusion and in addition in group 2, CNTs were completely surrounded by fibrous tissue, i.e., no bone formation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The CNTs/HA-TCP composite is a promising synthetic bone graft substitute for spinal fusion. Although CNTs are inadequate in producing spinal fusion when they are used alone, due to their high biocompatibility due to their high biocompatibility, and multiple effect on bone regeneration, they seem to increase fusion rates significantly when they are used in combination with ceramic-based synthetic grafts.

Evaluation of the Efficiency of the Graft Material Combined with Ozonized Blood in Maxillary Sinus Lifting Applications in Rabbits.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the graft material combined with ozonized blood on bone healing in rabbit in maxillary sinus lifting applications histomorphometrically, immunohistochemically and microtomographically. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups as experimental (n = 14) and control (n = 14). In experimental group, 5 ml (milliliter) blood obtained from the ear vein of each rabbit was ozonized by 80 µl (µl)/ml concentration ozone-oxygen mixture. Graft material was combined with this ozonized blood. In control group, the graft was combined with saline solution at 0.9% concentration. A 5 mm (millimeter) in diameter window was created on right maxillary sinus window in each rabbit under general anesthesia by local anesthesia support. Sinus membrane was elevated and the space was augmented by 1 cc (cubic centimeter) graft material. One rabbit from the control group which was planned to sacrifice at the end of 8 weeks could not participate in the evaluation because of the extensive inflammation at the operation site. Newly formed bone area and bone density were measured using by image analysis program. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and collagen-1 (COL-1) analyses were carried out immunohistochemically. The amount of the newly generated bone and the amount of the total augmented space were calculated volumetrically by microtomography. Results: According to histomorphometrical analysis, although newly formed bone area has increased in both experimental and control group with time, statistically significant results were obtained when only O-8 (ozone-treated experimental group planned to be sacrificed after 8 weeks) and O-4 (ozone-treated experimental group planned to be sacrificed after 4 weeks) groups were compared (p = 0,037). The increase in new bone density was seen in both experimental and control groups with time and the results were statistically significant when O-8 group compared to O-4 and C-4 group (ozone-free control group planned to be sacrificed after 4 weeks) (p = 0,07 and p = 0,04, respectively) and C-8 (ozone-free control group planned to be sacrificed after 8 weeks) group compared to C-4 group (p = 0,023). According to immunohistochemical analysis, the intensity and the severity of field staining with anti-BMP-2 have increased in experimental group whereas it has decreased in control group but despite that there was no statistically significance among all groups compared to each other. The number of new vessels stained with anti-VEGF has increased in both experimental and control group with time and multiple comparison results were statistically significant when O-8 group compared with O-4 and C-4 (p = 0,000, p = 0,000, respectively), O-4 group compared with C-8 (p = 0,000) and C-8 group compared with C-4 (p = 0,000). Although the intensity and the severity of field staining with anti-COL-1 have increased in both experimental and control group with time, there was no statistically significance among all groups compared to each other. According to microtomographical analysis, the percentage of the volume of the newly generated bone in the total augmented space volume has decreased with time in both experimental and control groups. Conclusions: Considering the results of this study, the graft material combined with the ozonized blood increased the density of the newly generated bone and the number of new vessels in maxillary sinus lifting applications in rabbits. Clinical Relevance: We suggest further studies should be done combining the graft with ozone by different methods, dosages and exposure times.

Thought, attitudes, and practices of the anatomy departments on receiving and embalming cadavers during the pandemic process / Pensamiento, actitudes y prácticas de los departamentos de anatomía sobre la recepción y embalsamamiento de cadáveres durante el proceso pandémico

SUMMARY: During the Covid-19 pandemic that has marked the last years, while governments tried to control the spread of the virus, many-body donation programs were suspended due to difficulties that could potentially be encountered. Given the low body donation acceptance rates during this period, through this study we aimed to evaluate academics' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in cadaver acceptance and embalming practices during the pandemic. The research population of th estudy consisted of the faculty of 112 universities in Turkey who taught in under graduate and graduate programs in the Anatomy Department in 2020. An electronic questionnaire of 24 items, including demographic data, was distributed to the participants' official e-mail addresses. In addition, support was received from the Turkish Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy Society, whose members were also approached through their official group e-mail accounts. Answers were collected from 78 (39 %) out of 200 academics. The findings of the study were under 5 headings (ınformation about cadaver donation and ımported cadavers, attitude towards ımportation of cadavers and acceptance of body donations, precautions against contagion in ımportation of cadavers and acceptance of body donations and thoughts on their adequacy, considerations for adoption of cadavers for post-graduation education, advice on avoiding contagion in cadaver embalming) were collected and analyzed. The study high lights the importance of cadaver acceptance and embalming practices for medical education to minimally continue in the post-pandemic period. It can also serve as a reference for being cautious when faced with similar situations in the future.

RESUMEN: Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, que ha marcado los últimos años, mientras los gobiernos intentaban controlar la propagación del virus, muchos programas de donación de cuerpos fueron suspendidos por las dificultades que se podían encontrar. Dadas las bajas tasas de aceptación de la donación de cuerpos durante este período, a través de este estudio buscamos evaluar el conocimiento, las actitudes y los comportamientos de los académicos en la aceptación de cadáveres y las prácticas de embalsamamiento durante la pandemia. El estudio se realizó el año 2020 en los programas de pregrado y posgrado de los Departamentos de Anatomía de 112 universidades de Turquía. Se distribuyó un cuestionario electrónico de 24 ítems, incluidos datos demográficos, a los participantes por correo electrónico oficial. Además, se recibió el apoyo de la Sociedad Turca de Anatomía y Anatomía Clínica, cuyos miembros también fueron contactados a través de las cuentas de correo electrónico de su grupo oficial. Se recopilaron respuestas de 78 (39 %) de 200 académicos. Los hallazgos del estudio se ubicaron en 5 encabezados (información sobre donación de cadáveres y cadáveres importados, actitud hacia la importación de cadáveres y aceptación de donaciones de cuerpos, precauciones contra el contagio en la importación de cadáveres y aceptación de donaciones de cuerpos y opiniones sobre su idoneidad, consideraciones para la adopción de cadáveres para la educación de posgrado y consejos para evitar el contagio en el embalsamamiento de cadáveres). El estudio destaca la importancia de la aceptación de cadáveres y las prácticas de embalsamamiento para que la educación médica continúe mínimamente en el período posterior a la pandemia. También puede servir como referencia para tenerse presente ante situaciones similares en el futuro.

Examination of inner ear structures: a micro-CT study.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the inner ear anatomy accurately in detail by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) to contribute to the data related to the inner ear anatomy and the potential clinical contribution of these data in the treatment of the inner ear's pathologies. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to define a range for normal measurements of the VA, vestibule, lateral semicircular canal, and cochlea. We scanned temporal dry bone samples at high resolution using micro-CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty dry temporal bones used in anatomy student education were included in this study with a micro-CT device. All measurements were made on sections in the axial plane with micro-CT programs. RESULTS: The operculum and the vestibular aqueduct middle diameters median values were 0.487 mm and 0.294 mm, respectively. The median value of middle diameters for the nonampullated section of lateral semicircular canal was 1.103 mm. The mean height of the cochlea was 3.417 mm and the width of the cochlea was 5.615 mm. The mean length of the vestibule was 6.085 mm and the width of the vestibule was 3.002 mm. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: We present a database that clinicians can consider in their studies by creating normal anatomical values measured with high precision for the bone labyrinth.